Four in every 10 Filipino adults have obesity, based on the DOST-FNRI 2023 National Nutrition Survey. When it is time to get help, most people stall on one question: which doctor do I book? There are different doctors in the Philippines that can guide you on the proper management of weight, like obesity medicine doctors, diet and nutrition doctors, endocrinologists, internal medicine, or family doctors.
Find out whether visiting a specialist or a general practitioner is best for weight management in today’s blog!
Why Do You Need A Doctor for Weight Management?
Obesity is a chronic disease shaped by hormones, metabolism, genetics, and daily habits like sleep. In the Philippines, doctors use the Asia-Pacific body mass index cutoffs. A BMI of 23 to 24.9 counts as overweight, while 25 and above counts as obesity. Only a doctor can confirm where you fall, since BMI does not measure body fat directly.
One of the common approaches of people is to self-diagnose and crash diet, which are the wrong approaches for weight loss. Sustainable weight loss usually needs medical guidance on top of diet and regular exercise. Excess weight raises your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and fatty liver. With improper weight loss plans, it can harm your health further. So, entrusting your weight and health to a doctor works better.
Types of Doctors Who Treat Obesity and When Each Fits
Different types of doctors handle weight management in the Philippines. Your starting point depends on your health history and existing medical conditions.
Family Doctor: Your First Stop
A family doctor treats patients of all ages and handles long-term care for the whole household. That makes this doctor a good primary care physician to start your weight loss journey with, especially if you have no other diagnosed health problems.
Expect a review of your eating habits, physical activity, sleep, and mental health, plus basic lab tests. Your family doctor can set realistic weight loss goals, track progress, and refer you to a specialist when needed.
Browse family medicine doctors on NowServing.
Internist: For Weight Plus Other Medical Conditions
Adults whose weight gain comes with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, fatty liver, or rising blood sugar often do best with an internist. This doctor specializes in adult diseases affecting several organs.
That cluster of problems is often called metabolic syndrome, and it raises your risk of heart disease and stroke. An internist manages these conditions together with your weight.
Find an internal medicine doctor near you on NowServing.
Endocrinologist: For Hormonal Imbalances
An endocrinologist is an internist with extra training in hormones and metabolism, including diabetes. This specialist fits best when hormonal imbalances may be behind the weight, such as thyroid problems, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or diabetes.
Watch for weight gain that comes with tiredness, irregular periods, excess hair growth, or high blood sugar readings. An endocrinologist can order hormone tests and decide whether prescription medications belong in your plan.
Consult an endocrinologist today through NowServing.
Registered Nutritionist-Dietitian: For Balanced Diet & Better Food Intake
Doctors handle diagnosis and medical treatment, while a registered nutritionist-dietitian (RND) turns your treatment plan into everyday meals. They hold a professional license under the Nutrition and Dietetics Law of 2016. An RND checks your meals, budget, food allergies, and schedule, then gives dietary advice built around Filipino food.
Find a nutritionist-dietitian on NowServing.
Obesity Medicine Specialist: For Patients with Obesity BMI
This doctor focuses specifically on weight management and obesity-related conditions, providing tailored plans that often incorporate both medical and lifestyle interventions. An obesity medicine specialist understands the complexities of obesity, recognizing it as a multifaceted condition influenced by genetics, environment, and behavior.
The initial consultation will typically involve a comprehensive assessment of your weight history, medical background, and psychological factors that could affect your journey.
Book a consultation with an obesity medicine doctor on NowServing.
Bariatric Surgeon: When Surgery Is Considered
A bariatric surgeon performs weight loss surgery, such as procedures that make the stomach smaller or reroute part of the digestive tract. Bariatric surgery is usually reserved for severe obesity after medical treatment and lifestyle changes have not worked. Surgery requires lifelong follow-up with nutrition checks. Many patients get referred by their internist or endocrinologist.
Browse bariatric surgery specialists on NowServing.
Learn more about weight management in the Philippines and how it works in this guide.
How to Book a Doctor for Weight Management on NowServing
Booking a doctor for weight management in the Philippines is simple on NowServing. Follow these steps:
- Open the NowServing app or search for doctor specialties on the NowServing website (family medicine, internal medicine, endocrinology, diet and nutrition, obesity medicine, or bariatric surgery)
- Select the doctor from list and book your slot
- Choose in-person or online for mode of consultation
- Wait for doctor’s confirmation
Read this related article to know what happens during a weight management doctor consultation.
FAQs About Choosing a Doctor for Weight Management
What should I check when selecting a weight loss doctor?
While checking for the doctor’s credentials is important, what you should also look for is if they can provide the services you need based on your current condition. Since there are several types of doctors that can help with your weight loss journey, you need to determine who can help you the most. For example, if you have diabetes, booking an endocrinologist should be your priority rather than booking a family doctor. Another point is if you have an BMI that is considered an obesity range, booking an obesity medicine doctor works best. In short, you must be aware of what you need the most to select the best doctor for you.
Can a family doctor be my doctor for weight management?
Yes. For most adults, a family doctor, general practitioner, or internist is a good first stop. They check your overall health and refer you to a specialist if needed.
Can an endocrinologist help with weight loss?
Yes, an endocrinologist can help patients to start weight loss, especially when the trigger point of weight gain involves thyroid problems and hormonal conditions, like PCOS/PMOS. Patients suffering from these conditions often experience weight gain due to hormonal changes that may lead to weight gain. Diabetes patients who want to manage their weight also need to get checked by an endo doctor due to insulin resistance.
What do doctors give patients for weight loss?
Weight management doctors provide you treatment options for weight loss, which is included in the plan that you and the doctor decided on. This includes lifestyle changes, list of off-limit foods, and prescription medications. Prescription medications can be supplements or injections like GLP-1 drugs.
Can I start weight loss medication immediately without doctor consultation?
Some weight loss medications are accessible online, but it’s important to know that these are prescription medications. That’s why you should undergo a doctor consultation first before you begin the medication for weight loss. Doing so allows you to determine that the dosage and medicine works with your current health. Thus, helping you to achieve weight loss through doctor-guided approaches.
Conclusion
The right doctor for weight management shouldn’t be based on who’s available. It should be based on your current health to address the cause of your weight gain correctly. Book your consultation with a NowServing doctor like a family doctor, internist, endocrinologist, RND, obesity medicine doctor, or bariatric surgeon.
Remember, doctor consultation matters for a well-guided weight management. Another option you can try is visiting NowExpress for an online assessment with an expert about weight management.
